Bonus’ – Willy Gnonto Leeds United state of play as Everton development changes transfer picture
Everton’s interest in Leeds United winger Willy Gnonto remains but the likelihood of the Merseyside club signing the attacker during this window has dwindled following recent transfer developments.
Leeds’ stance on Gnonto’s future is that he remains contracted at Elland Road and unless an offer meeting or exceeding their internal, undisclosed valuation of the Italy international is met, he will stay put.
Everton’s financial situation means the Premier League side are unlikely to be able to meet Leeds’ demands, which will probably require a large chunk of any transfer fee paid up front, evidenced by their acquisition of Denmark winger Jesper Lindstrom.
The Dane has joined Sean Dyche’s Toffees on a season-long loan with an option to buy included in the deal which takes him from Napoli to Goodison Park, meaning nothing more than a token loan fee and wage coverage will be reflected in the club’s 2024/25 accounts, similar to the deal which saw Jack Harrison return to the blue half of Liverpool.
While this diminishes the likelihood of a Gnonto transfer this summer, due to increased competition, the key question of financing remains. Although, a failed takeover by The Friedkin Group earlier this month is not thought to pose a significant impact to the club’s transfer business.
Leeds’ sale of Archie Gray to Tottenham Hotspur for £40 million has allowed the Whites to drive a hard bargain for any of their sought-after players this summer.
United believe they are in a position to dictate terms with any interested clubs and while exploratory talks may well take place for certain individuals, offers or approaches which rely on Leeds receiving payment in instalments or an exiguous fee up front are not likely to be entertained by the Elland Road hierarchy.
Merseyside sources believe Everton may be one such club seeking to conduct business with deferred payments in mind, in order to stay the right side of the line with regards to Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) for the financial year ending June 2025.
The Toffees fell foul of the Premier League’s financial controls in recent seasons and were hit with two separate points deductions during the course of 2023/24, but still managed to avoid relegation.
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